Description

Body length 10 - 14mm. The male is black with whitish markings and the female is black with red and white markings. The male's legs are yellow while the female's are red. The male is larger than the female.

Habitat

Woodland edge and hedgerows where umbellifers can be found. The adults feed on nectar and the larvae develop in living noctuid moth caterpillars.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in central England, less common to the west and uncommon in Scotland. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

July to October.